Construction Combine 2022 just ended. For those interested in working with their hands, it was a goldmine of information, first-hand experience, and enjoyment. It also helped spark a greater interest in the skilled trades as a whole.

ISU College of Technology (COT)’s Center for New Directions has recently received grant funds from the State of Idaho to support the education and workforce preparedness of single parent or displaced homemaker/worker COT students.

It is no secret that while a large percentage of Americans have faced job insecurity in the last few months, no job field has remained as important as much as the healthcare field has.

If you are someone that is interested in starting a new career in a high-demand, well-paying career helping people, Continuing Education and Workforce Training (CEWT)’s Health Programs provide the stepping stones on the journey to your new job.

Right now is the perfect time to start a new career path. One option you might have been considering is an apprenticeship. But what exactly does an apprenticeship entail?

This article will provide some general information on Continuing Education and Workforce Training (CEWT)’s apprenticeship program and what you will expect in the first-year of your apprenticeship.

This year has provided all of us with the opportunity for change. Be that getting more exercise, getting back into an old hobby, or preparing for a career change, planning to better your future is always a good thing. To meet that end, you might want to consider obtaining additional skills or continuing your education in a field that will lead to a rewarding, long-term career.

"The first step is always the hardest.” The origin of this English phrase is believed to have been uttered by the 3rd century martyr, St. Denis, who was decapitated. As legend has it, following his decapitation, St Denis picked up his head and proceeded to carry it for a distance. For what purpose and for how far he and his detached head traveled, no one seems to know; however, if St. Denis did in fact utter this phrase, then he meant it quite literally.

November 11-17th is National Apprenticeship Week, and Continuing Education and Workforce Training would like to take the time to appreciate the fantastic apprentices in our program. Thank you, apprentices, for all of your hard work and dedication!

There has been a boom of women working in the construction industries, with the amount of women in the trades being the highest it has been in 20 years (Hegewisch, 2019).

Though progress has been made, there is still a large gap between men and women in the trades. While more women were entering these fields, still fewer than 1 in 20 (or 3.4%) laborers are women (Hegewisch, 2019).

Feeling stuck in a rut and don’t know how to get out? Consider changing your mindset.

Though the advice is nothing new, how you think about your skillset could be hindering your professional success without you realizing it. Opting for a growth mindset could help you on the path to landing the job of your dreams.

Do you struggle with workplace stress and anxiety? Feel like you hate your job? You just might be experiencing workplace burnout.

Elizabeth Scott, MS, defines burnout as, “...a reaction to prolonged or chronic job stress and is characterized by three main dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism (less identification with the job), and feelings of reduced professional ability”.

Serving as a Certified Family Home Assistant is one of the most rewarding jobs you can do. That is why CEWT’s new Certified Home Assistance with Meds course is here to help you follow your calling of caring for others.

Just like we associate apples to teachers and red fire trucks to firemen, we pair the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to the ambulance. And while EMTs can certainly be found anywhere an ambulance is, these workers can be found in many other settings as well. For those of you who are looking to become an EMT or those who are interested in the types of careers where they can be found, read on!

My husband learned to drive a tractor when he was 14 years old. He possessed 1500 acres of farmground alongside his dad and brother by the time he was 24. Now, at 26, he possesses 2500 acres due to entreprenual skills and work ethic.

Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are quickly becoming popularized today, and for good reason. There is so much that can be done with them. Many drones are like video recorders attached to remote controlled planes. The concept sounds like a glorified toy, but it is used for many serious things like the military and security surveillance. There are other significant uses for drones as well.

Do you remember those career aptitude tests you took in high school? The one that said you were meant to be a librarian or a counselor…not the movie star like you always imagined? We think those are great, but as you grow out of the indecisive teenage years into the still indecisive, but more urgent decision making years of adulthood, sometimes you want a little more information. Rather than categorize your future for you, we’ve outlined the psychology of a nurse, the traits that help someone thrive in this position. Then, if you’ve been curious if you would look good in a pair of scrubs, you can make an educated decision on your future…for yourself.

When you see employees in the dentist’s office, you might assume they’re either dentists or hygienists. Many of us try to avoid the dentist as actively as possible, so it’s easy to misunderstand that many of the employees we see talking to patients and performing basic procedures are actually dental assistants. Dental assisting is essential medical work that you can learn easily and quickly, and then have a well-paying job for much longer.

If you’re like me, the only plumber you know is Mario. Or maybe you have some vague image in your head of a plumber with a messy toolbox and jeans that hang too low. But that can’t be the whole story. So let’s get real about plumbing and talk about it as it actually is: the job that no one wants that everyone should.

Have you ever considered a career in medicine? Do you like to help people and work with patients directly? Have you been hesitant to start or worried that it will require years of schooling to get a chance to work in your field? A CNA could be a good fit for you. 

Preparing for your certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification will be exciting but also nerve-racking. What does it take to prepare adequately? What processes do you need to go through and what skills should you acquire to increase your chances of success?

Working within the health sector is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding career paths there is. Job satisfaction comes from knowing that you have been able to make a positive difference in someone's life.

In today's competitive workforce, it's more important than ever to stay ahead of the game by constantly improving and adding to your skill set. Autodesk is an American-based software company that provides certifications for design professionals in a wide variety of industries. 

Have you ever considered putting your skills to the test, or exploring a new career avenue? There are so many different paths out there for people with the willingness to explore them and to develop new, as well as existing skills sets, and one such path is phlebotomy.

We live in an automated world. Our drive around town is regulated by automated traffic signals that switch color lights on and off to govern the flow of traffic. Our homes are heated by automated systems that know when to turn on and off.

Picking a career can be stressful; there are a lot of opportunities available. Finding the right one for you may take some research. As you look toward your future career path; you probably want a good paying job with chances to advance within the company. At the same time, you would like a work environment that is interesting and challenging. You are just not the type of person to sit behind a desk.

When choosing a viable career, many aspects have to be considered. Not only do pay and job stability play major deciding factors, but projected job growth and required education do as well.

"It's really tempting to spend time trying to get paid for what you love. It's probably easier and certainly more direct to talk to yourself about loving what you do", Seth Godin.

A friend’s son graduated from high school nearly 2 years ago.

In that time, the boy has worked a total of 7 ½ weeks. When asked, the son carefully explains to his annoyed/annoying parents that he wants to find a job he ‘loves.’ Something that is less boring and more fulfilling than working in a retail store or flipping burgers.

As your test date approaches for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam, be sure to spend ample time studying and preparing for the written exam.

You can ensure that you will do well on the qualifying nursing exam by avoiding the common mistakes that most people make on the test, especially when they fail the test on their first or second try.

Every year, people around the U.S. take the Certified Nursing Assistant exam to grow their businesses. If you want to take the CNA exam soon, odds are good that you’re wondering – “what are the top mistakes on the CNA exam?”